maidenhead

[ meyd-n-hed ]

noun

1. the hymen.
2. maidenhood; virginity.

Maidenhead

¹

/ ˈmeɪdənˌhɛd /

noun

1. a town in S England, in Windsor and Maidenhead unitary authority, Berkshire, on the River Thames. Pop: 58 848 (2001)

maidenhead

²

/ ˈmeɪdənˌhɛd /

noun

1. a nontechnical word for the hymen
2. virginity; maidenhood

Word History and Origins

Origin of maidenhead¹

First recorded in 1200–50, maidenhead is from the Middle English word maidenhed. See maiden, -head

Word History and Origins

Origin of maidenhead¹

C13: from maiden + -hed, variant of -hood

Example Sentences

He continued at Maidenhead till his health was thoroughly re-established, and then he returned to London.

From Project Gutenberg

She has gone to stay away from me for the first time in her life; she is at Mrs. Feversham's, at Maidenhead, for the night.

From Project Gutenberg

We shall ha guests to day, I lay my little maidenhead; my nose itches so.

From Project Gutenberg

Come, my hearts, let's make all things ready for the execution; here's a maidenhead must be cut off without a feather-bed.

From Project Gutenberg

Maidenhead, or Maidenhithe, is now almost the central point of those pleasure-lovers who frequent the Thames.

From Project Gutenberg